Economic Alliance

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Latest Episodes:

Gulf Coast Growth Show, Callie Barns, Director of Seaport Connectivity at Port Houston Jul 07, 2026

How do major transportation projects shape the future of the Houston Port Region and keep one of America’s busiest port regions moving?

In this episode of the Gulf Coast Growth Show, Chad Burke sits down with Callie Barns, Director of Seaport Connectivity at Port Houston, to discuss the transportation infrastructure projects that will shape the future of the Houston Port Region.

From the future of Highway 225 and SH 146 to freight mobility, regional transportation planning, and long-term infrastructure investment, this conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities involved in supporting continued economic growth, global trade, and supply chain efficiency.

Learn how the Greater Houston Freight Committee, Port Houston, the Houston-Galveston Area Council, and regional partners are working together to improve connectivity, strengthen freight movement, and ensure the Houston Port Region remains a global leader in industry and commerce.

🔹 Freight & transportation planning
🔹 Port Houston infrastructure projects
🔹 Highway 225 & SH 146 improvements
🔹 Regional economic development
🔹 Gulf Coast logistics & supply chain

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share for more conversations with leaders driving growth across the Gulf Coast.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicchcQYIpHpNBZFl_nPy1A?sub_confirmation=1

Produced in the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Podcast Studio, sponsored by Chevron Pasadena Refinery.

Gulf Coast Growth Show, Robbie Riggs, CEO, North America Jun 30, 2026

In this episode of the Gulf Coast Growth Show, Co-Host Zeke Smith sits down with Robbie Riggs, CEO of Teadit North America, to discuss the future of manufacturing, innovation, workforce development, and why the Houston Port Region remains a strategic hub for industrial growth.

Teadit, a global manufacturer of fluid sealing products with its North American headquarters in Pasadena, Texas, is committed to delivering solutions that support safer, more sustainable operations worldwide.

Robbie also shares why Teadit is an active member of the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region and how the Alliance’s advocacy, connections, and collaborative efforts help businesses navigate challenges, support growth, and strengthen the region’s economic competitiveness.

Tune in to hear how Teadit and the Economic Alliance are working together to build a stronger future for the Houston Port Region.

SUBSCRIBE to the podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicchcQYIpHpNBZFl_nPy1A?sub_confirmation=1

Produced in the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Podcast Studio, sponsored by Chevron Pasadena Refinery.

Speaker Suggestions:
Jason Lee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonleeexponent/
Zeke Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zekesmith/
Amanda Baucum: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandy-baucum-5540013a/

Gulf Coast Growth Show Special Father’s Day Episode, Zeke, Benny, Elliott and Sloan Smith Jun 23, 2026

Special Father’s Day Episode: Join Gulf Coast Growth Show Co-Host Zeke Smith for a fun and heartfelt conversation with his three children as they share summer adventures, family traditions, favorite things about growing up in Houston, and what makes Father’s Day special. A lighthearted episode celebrating family, community, and the dads who make a difference every day.

SUBSCRIBE to the podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicchcQYIpHpNBZFl_nPy1A?sub_confirmation=1

Produced in the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Podcast Studio, sponsored by Chevron Pasadena Refinery.

Gulf Coast Growth Show, Tony Wood, Site Manager, Channelview Complex, LyondellBasell Jun 01, 2026

In this episode of the Gulf Coast Growth Show, Tony Wood, Site Manager of the LyondellBasell Channelview Complex, shares his remarkable career path from part-time security guard to leading one of the largest petrochemical facilities on the Gulf Coast. Tony discusses industry leadership, workforce development, the future of petrochemicals, AI and digital transformation, safety innovation, and the role organizations like East Harris County Manufacturers Association (EHCMA) and the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region play in supporting regional growth. A must-watch conversation for anyone interested in manufacturing, energy, leadership, and the future of the Houston Port Region.

SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicchcQYIpHpNBZFl_nPy1A?sub_confirmation=1

Produced in the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Podcast Studio, sponsored by Chevron Pasadena Refinery.

Gulf Coast Growth Show, John Golashesky, Senior Vice President at Turner Industries May 26, 2026

In this episode of the Gulf Coast Growth Show, Jason Lee and Zeke Smith sit down with John Golashesky, Senior Vice President at Turner Industries and longtime industry leader, to talk about the future of workforce development, construction careers, and what it takes to build the next generation of talent. John shares insights from 40+ years in the industrial sector, the importance of industry collaboration, training investments, and how partnerships between owners, contractors, schools, and workforce organizations are helping shape the future of the Gulf Coast workforce. Plus, a great reminder that leadership isn’t just about business, John also shares one of his personal non-negotiables: Friday night date night with his wife for the last 20 years. No matter how busy life gets, family stays a priority. A conversation about service, leadership, opportunity, and building more than projects, building people.

SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicchcQYIpHpNBZFl_nPy1A?sub_confirmation=1

Produced in the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Podcast Studio, sponsored by Chevron Pasadena Refinery.

Gulf Coast Growth Show, Steve Cote, Senior Vice President at Brady, Chapman, Holland & Associates May 18, 2026

On this episode of the Gulf Coast Growth Show, Host Jason Lee and Co-Host Zeke Smith sit down with Steve Cote, Senior Vice President at Brady, Chapman, Holland & Associates and Secretary of the Executive Board for Economic Alliance Houston Port Region. Steve shares how he became involved with Economic Alliance, his passion for supporting industry and community growth across the Houston Port Region, and the important role organizations like Economic Alliance and Associated Builders and Contractors – Greater Houston play in connecting businesses, industry leaders, and economic development efforts. The conversation also dives into entrepreneurship, relationship-building, risk management, and the growing impact of “nuclear verdicts” on Texas businesses and insurance costs. Plus, Steve talks about his new podcast, Owner Origin, where he highlights the stories behind business owners and entrepreneurs.

SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicchcQYIpHpNBZFl_nPy1A?sub_confirmation=1

Produced in the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Podcast Studio, sponsored by Chevron Pasadena Refinery.

GCGS, Melissa Wolkenhauer with Industry Business Roundtable talks Industrial Procurement Forum May 11, 2026

Economic Alliance Houston Port Region & BIC Alliance’s Industrial Procurement Forum | Thursday, May 21. Want to win more work in the industrial space? This is where it starts. In this episode of the Gulf Coast Growth Show, we preview the Industrial Procurement Forum, a focused event connecting suppliers, contractors, and service providers directly with the companies awarding work. Hear from leaders at Port Houston, Zachry Group, Technip Energies, Optimal Field Services, Verde, Gulf Coast CCS Alliance, and LSG as they share what they’re working on, what they need, and how to do business with them. Who should be there: Suppliers, contractors, EPC-focused vendors, and business development professionals ready to grow. Why attend: Real project insight. Direct access to decision-makers. High-value connections. If you’re trying to get your foot in the door—or expand your footprint—this is the room.

Get your spot now: https://economicalliancehoustonportregion.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Events/Register/oXFKjZqc6C2CB

📅 May 21, 2026 ⏰ 7:00–10:00 AM 📍 San Jacinto College LyondellBasell CPET Spots and sponsorships are still available. Show up ready to connect.

Gulf Coast Growth Show, Host Jason Lee and Co-Host Zeke Smith talk Mental Health Awareness May 05, 2026

In this episode, Host Jason Lee and Co-Host Zeke Smith take a step back for a real conversation during Mental Health Awareness Month and ahead of Men’s Health Month, about what’s really happening beneath the surface in the Gulf Coast industrial and construction community. As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month in May and look ahead to Men’s Health Month in June, it’s a good time for a real conversation in the Gulf Coast industrial and construction community between our two GCGS hosts. The truth is, the men & women who build, maintain, and power our industries are often the least likely to speak up when they’re struggling. Long hours. High-risk environments. Pressure to provide. A culture that too often equates toughness with silence. And the data reflects it, as 83% of mental health issues in our industry goes unreported / undiagnosed. That’s why conversations matter. Check-ins matter. Leadership matters. Whether it’s a jobsite talk, a peer-to-peer moment, or simply asking “you good?” We all play a role in changing the narrative, and EVERYONE can do something Organizations like the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention are helping move this forward, but culture shifts happen one conversation at a time. Let’s keep showing up for the work, and for each other, and most importantly… JUST. START. TALKING!

SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicchcQYIpHpNBZFl_nPy1A?sub_confirmation=1

Produced in the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Podcast Studio, sponsored by Chevron Pasadena Refinery.

Gulf Coast Growth Show, Sarina Landers, Chairman Associated Builders & Contractors Greater Houston Apr 23, 2026

In this episode of the Gulf Coast Growth Show, Host Jason Lee and Co-Host Zeke Smith welcome Sarina Landers Chairman Associated Builders and Contractors – Greater Houston and VP/Chief of Staff at Corvus Construction. Sarina shares her journey into the construction industry, the importance of collaboration between organizations, and how ABC supports workforce development, advocacy, and growth. The conversation also highlights the rise of women in construction and the opportunities shaping the industry’s future.

SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicchcQYIpHpNBZFl_nPy1A?sub_confirmation=1

Produced in the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Podcast Studio, sponsored by Chevron Pasadena Refinery.

Gulf Coast Growth Show, Mark Bookmyer, Site Manager, LyondellBasell & Economic Alliance Board Member Apr 17, 2026

In this episode of the Gulf Coast Growth Show Zeke Smith sits down with Mark Bookmyer. Mark shares his 35-year journey in the chemical industry with us. From growing up in Baytown to leading major operations along the Houston Ship Channel, Mark dives into leadership lessons, workforce development, and the powerful economic impact of the industry. Hear insights on safety, community involvement, and why the chemical sector continues to be a driving force for growth and opportunity.

SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicchcQYIpHpNBZFl_nPy1A?sub_confirmation=1

Produced in the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Podcast Studio, sponsored by Chevron Pasadena Refinery.

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